What To Know
- The screen allows you to see your artwork in real-time, eliminating the need to constantly look back and forth between the tablet and the screen.
- The KD200 is a great option for beginners and budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and a unique keydial feature.
- 6 Pro, on the other hand, is a powerful tool for professional artists who demand a high-quality display and a comprehensive set of features.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. Both offer compelling features and cater to different needs, making the decision even more challenging. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet, helping you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 boasts a compact design, making it ideal for portability. Its sleek black finish and minimalist aesthetics give it a professional look. The tablet’s surface is smooth and responsive, offering a comfortable drawing experience. However, the KD200 lacks a screen, making it a pen-only tablet.
On the other hand, the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro comes with a large, 15.6-inch full HD display, providing a more immersive drawing experience. The display offers a wide color gamut and excellent viewing angles, making it perfect for professional artists. However, the Artist 15.6 Pro is significantly larger and heavier than the KD200, making it less portable.
Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology
Both tablets offer excellent pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced lines and strokes. The KD200 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Artist 15.6 Pro boasts 8,192 levels, providing a high degree of accuracy and responsiveness.
The pens included with both tablets are lightweight and comfortable to hold. The KD200’s pen features a battery-free design, while the Artist 15.6 Pro’s pen requires a battery for its side buttons. Both pens offer a natural feel and excellent responsiveness, making them suitable for a wide range of drawing styles.
Features and Functionality
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 stands out with its unique keydial feature. This customizable dial allows you to control various functions, such as brush size, opacity, and zoom, without having to use the keyboard. The KD200 also includes eight customizable shortcut keys, providing quick access to frequently used tools and commands.
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro, being a display tablet, offers a more intuitive drawing experience. The screen allows you to see your artwork in real-time, eliminating the need to constantly look back and forth between the tablet and the screen. The Artist 15.6 Pro also includes eight customizable shortcut keys and a pressure-sensitive pen with side buttons, offering a comprehensive set of features for professional artists.
Software Compatibility and Drivers
Both tablets are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. Huion offers its own driver software, which provides a wide range of customization options and features. XP-Pen also provides its own driver software, offering similar functionality and compatibility. Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Price and Value for Money
The Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 is generally more affordable than the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. Its price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users and beginners. The KD200 offers a good balance of features and functionality for its price.
The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro, being a display tablet, commands a higher price tag. However, its immersive drawing experience, professional-grade features, and overall performance justify the investment for serious artists and professionals.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
The choice between the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You value portability and compact design.
- You prefer a pen-only tablet with customizable shortcut keys and a unique keydial feature.
Choose the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro if:
- You’re a professional artist or serious hobbyist.
- You value an immersive drawing experience with a large display.
- You’re willing to invest in a premium tablet with advanced features.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison
While the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 and the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro are both excellent drawing tablets, they cater to different audiences. The KD200 is a great option for beginners and budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and a unique keydial feature. The Artist 15.6 Pro, on the other hand, is a powerful tool for professional artists who demand a high-quality display and a comprehensive set of features.
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider your drawing style, workflow, and budget before making a decision.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a pen tablet and a display tablet?
A: A pen tablet is a device that allows you to draw on a pressure-sensitive surface using a pen, while a display tablet is a device that combines the drawing surface with a screen, providing a more immersive drawing experience.
Q: Does the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 require a battery for its pen?
A: No, the KD200’s pen is battery-free.
Q: What software is compatible with the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro?
A: The Artist 15.6 Pro is compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
Q: What is the warranty period for both tablets?
A: Both Huion and XP-Pen offer a one-year warranty on their products.
Q: Can I use the Huion Inspiroy Keydial KD200 for gaming?
A: While the KD200 is primarily designed for drawing, it can be used for gaming with the right software and settings. However, it’s not specifically optimized for gaming.